But his side have won just five league games at home in this campaign and will end with their lowest points tally at Goodison Park since 1981.

Ex-boss Joe Royle, who also played for the Toffees for eight years, and former Everton player and current under-21 coach David Unsworth and will take charge for the final game of the season against Norwich City on Sunday.

The case for Benitez

Benitez, 56, started the season with Spanish giants Real Madrid but faces the prospect of the second tier of English football if he remains at Newcastle.

However, it is believed the Spaniard, who took charge of the Magpies in March, has a break clause in his contract.

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer says he would be "amazed" if Benitez remains at St James' Park, but a group of Magpies fans have not given up hope.

They have issued a statement urging him to stay.

Friday's local Newcastle paper The Chronicle

"Whilst we fully accept the short-term prospect of life in the Championship may not be as appealing as other offers, we can certainly promise you the potential rewards of the longer term would exceed any position that you consider," it read.

Benitez, who led Liverpool to a Champions League win in 2005, is likely to have a number of offers should he decide to leave.

He also won Fifa's Club World Cup and Italian Super Cup with Inter Milan and guided Chelsea to a Europa League success in 2013.

Ex-Newcastle midfielder Jermaine Jenas says Benitez would not be a good fit for Everton because the fans would not like his defensive brand of football.

The case for De Boer

Frank de Boer led Ajax to four straight league titles between 2011 and 2014 but missed out to PSV Eindhoven on the final day this season.